FIFA World Cup 2022: Group A- Netherlands and Senegal become the first two teams to qualify for Rounds of 16

Group A ended with Senegal and Netherlands qualification to the Round of 16 after their win over Ecuador and Qatar. Lets see how the two FIFA World Cup 2022 games panned out. c

Netherlands vs Qatar

The Louis van Gaal side clashed with the hosts Qatar for a chance to become the first team to get into Round 16. The gulf in quality between the two sides was apparent from the kick-off as Virgil van Dijk’s led side took the lead in the 26th minute itself.

Cody Gakpo who has already scored at the tournament converted a close-range effort for Netherlands first goal. Barcelona player Frankie de Jong doubled the lead in the 49th minute with a close-range strike to double Netherlands team. The Virgil van Dijk-led side then went on cruise control and ended the game 2-0, hence becoming the first team to reach the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Hosts Qatar with this loss, have remained winless at the mega event

Ecuador vs Senegal

The second match was were it was at. Both teams had a chance to get into the Round of 16th win-win. Ecuador had a point more than Senegal and would have landed into the Round of 16 even with a draw.

Africa Cup of Nations winners Senegal however looked the better team as they scored the first goal in the 44th minute. Ecuador however clapped back with a goal of their own in the 67th minute and were ahead at that point.

Their point lead however was short-lived as Kalidou Koulibaly earned the lead again with a close-range thumper. The Senegal team then soaked up the pressure from Ecuador and kept them at arm’s distance.

The match ended 1-2 in Senegal’s favour and they become the second team to qualify for the Round of 16 from Group A.